VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed regret Wednesday that his Chinese counterpart chose not to hold talks with him during meetings of Southeast Asian defense chiefs in Laos, calling it a setback for the entire region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is holding security talks in Vientiane at a time of increasing maritime disputes with China and as the transition to a new U.S. president approaches.

Ever noticed how different cultures have their unique ways of doing things at home? It’s fascinating to see how everyday habits can vary so much across the world. Asian households, in particular, have some practices that might seem normal to them but could really surprise Americans. In this blog, I’ll share 21 common Asian household habits that many Americans might find shocking or strange.